Kimiko stands ready to fight in the boys Jasper Savage/Prime Video

THE BOYS Changes a Key Part of Kimiko’s Past

Originally posted on Nerdist | By Tai Gooden | Last updated Jul 11, 2024 12:53 PM ET

Until now, we thought we knew the truth about how Kimiko lost her voice in The Boys. Her brother said that she stopped speaking after the Shining Light Liberation Army killed her parents in front of her. But season four’s seventh episode finally gives us the truth about Kimiko and why she is silent. While Frenchie and Kimiko are looking after Sameer, they have a conversation about the bad things they’ve done and forgiveness. Kimiko tells Frenchie that the story her brother told about her losing her voice is not true. In reality, she lost her voice the first night when she was taken into the army’s camp and forced to become a silent killer. There would be so much to explore in a Kimiko spinoff series, right?

A flashback reveals that Kimiko fought a girl and killed her without making a sound. When she was given permission to speak again, Kimiko wasn’t able to do so. So Kimiko did lose her voice due to childhood trauma, but not in the way we originally thought. This revelation brings a lot of her character arc into focus, specifically why she struggles with morality and often regrets violence. Kimiko hates herself because of her past but she’s trying to find forgiveness.

**Will Kimiko Get Her Voice Back in The Boys?**

It is not impossible that Kimiko could speak again. Mutism stemming from trauma can be addressed with a lot of therapy with a professional and patience. Sadly, Kimiko’s life only continues to pile on more violence, death, and trauma. If she could finally find peace and stability, then she could work on unpacking the heartbreaking parts of her life. From a show standpoint, a lot of Kimiko’s characterization centers around her not being a vocal person so she probably will remain silent. No matter what, I just want her to forgive herself and get away from Butcher so she can be a happier person.

This article first appeared on Nerdist and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: